Here's something I used to do to hone my skills:
Take a track you love, or that's in the style you wish to produce, and try to copy it as closely as possible. Everything from the synths, to the drums, etc.. This practice not only gives you a first hand lesson in song structure, but it also teaches you to be more creative in you approach in terms of sound design. You may not emulate a synth etc the same way the original artist made it, but you just created your own new method! This is also very helpful in learning how to reach the "standard" of mixing.
Try it out!